Choucroute Garni

Ingredients

• 5 lbs fresh sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup bacon, cut into bits
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 bottle dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons juniper berries
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
• 4 cloves

• 1 (12 ounce) piece unsmoked bacon or ham
• 20-24 mixed sausages, cut into 2 inch lengths (frankfurter, bratwurst, knockwurst, etc.)

Directions

1. 1

   Soak the sauerkraut in a large bowl filled with cold water, and soak for 15 minutes.

2. 2

   While sauerkraut is soaking, saute bacon, in a large oven proof pan, for 1 minute.

3. 3

   Turn heat to medium-low, add the garlic and saute for another minute.

4. 4

   Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.

5. 5

   Squeeze the sauerkraut dry, reserving 1 cup of the soaking water and add the sauerkraut to the pot.

6. 6

   Stir well to blend with bacon.

7. 7

   Add the reserved cup of soaking water, the white wine, the juniper berries, the peppercorns and the cloves.

8. 8

   Bring to boil on top of stove and boil until the liquid has almost evaporated (about 20-30 minutes).

9. 9

   Imbed the meats in the sauerkraut, cover the pot and cook in the oven until the meats are hot, about 30 minutes.